I don't know about you but I am not a fan of a gym that doesn't feel open so that is probably why…read moreDee Why Fitness First is my favourite of all the Fitness First gyms. It isn't even in my local area but I make an effort to get there when I can. The gym is built around a pool so the whole ambience is very airy and light. The windows make up one whole side of the gym so you can see outside which is really nice, even though the view isn't that great. As an added bonus the staff here are very friendly plus the gym is never too busy - this place is the way forward!

Virgin Active Frenchs Forest…read more As are most things engaged in by Sir Richard Branson, Virgin Active is a full-on experience. You can see the gym for miles; its distinctive red signage is hard to miss amidst a Frenchs Forest business park. The intensity is matched, even outdone by the staff - upon entering the gym (following the signs saying «In, Out, Shake It All About» and presenting your card, you are smiled at within an inch of your life by extremely shiny, happy people who all seem to know you by name, exclaiming their hopes for you to «HAVE A GREAT WORKOUT». To be fair, it's pretty hard not to; the gym and its facilities are world class. The selection of classes - everything you've ever heard of - Cycle, Pilates, Body Pump, Circuit - is well catered for, plus everything you've got no idea about, but now want to try. Ki Max (a mixture of boxing and kick boxing), anyone? Powerplate Core? Dynamic Yoga? U-Bound Trampoline Sessions? Amazing. The front desk staff's enthusiasm is matched by that of its personal trainers and instructors, whose classes you certainly wouldn't want to attend with a headache... But then, what is a gym for, if not enthusiasm for getting fit? If classes aren't your thing, you needn't panic; there are more than enough alternatives to get you up and running. Virgin Active boasts an impressive range of cardio machines, many of which feature personal televisions and a selection of Foxtel channels, plus the usual lineup of weights machines. There is also a more than adequate supply of various fitness-related things; Swiss Balls, Free Weights, Skipping Ropes, Yoga Mats, Medicine Balls... If you don't feel like engaging in one of these taxing activities, you could always swim a few leisurely laps in the 50m pool? Sit in the biggest spa I have ever seen? Steam up in the sauna? Brace yourself in the plunge pool? Send your kids off to the free childminding service for the day? Use the free computers? Grab a copy of the newspaper? Get a coffee at the onsite cafe? For me, the most difficult thing about going to the gym is not getting the motivation to go, but deciding what to do upon arrival. The only downside of having options to suit everyone is that everyone seems to be there. Virgin Active is always busy, and if you live in the area, you will invariably see someone that you know there. However, there is a method to the madness - to go to a class, you must first book in to it online. Three failures to attend within a month mean you're banned from classes for a month. Not a bullet proof system by any means, but it attempts to ensure that classes aren't tooooooo overcrowded. While not cheap, membership of Virgin Active comes at a mere $25/week for students and a little bit more for adults. Like all gym memberships, as soon as you start to not use it, it gets really expensive. But for all this - provided you do actually get up and go to the 8am class you booked - it's worth it.

There is no doubt that this is a beautiful club with fantastic facilities. I've been a member…read moresince it opened. Some of the staff are fantastic, however others I feel are getting very arrogant and I saw one staff member humiliate a customer in a Pilates Reformer class the other day. The staff member was really mean to this customer and I was so embarrassed for her that I almost walked out of the class.

After 10 years loyalty to Fitness First there was a need for a change however determining a gym or…read moresports club to attend is time consuming when thinking of cost, style of gym, trainers, equipment and other logistics. With the intention of fulfilling the mission to trial several in the local area and writing/reviewing for Yelp, I have only managed to get to Joe's Garage Gym. Here is why? Joe's Garage Gym is straightforward. Small group fitness training that is intense, rewarding and where you are always learning new skills. There are four types of fitness classes that can be easily booked online which are Cardio training, Conditioning, Strength training and boxing. These classes rotate weekly. The gym community is unique to Joe's Garage Gym and the fitter members in the gym are encouraging and not intimidating which makes for a good culture and gym environment. There are also classes for kids. Joe Bonington is hands on with every aspect of his gym and provides a wealth of experience in Nutrition, Health and Fitness. He is a presenter, facilitator, public speaker and leadership coach and has a network of fitness industry contacts that can assure you to meet all your health and fitness goals.Si Bennett is his Strength and Conditioning coach and certified Power/Weightlifting and Boxing coach. Both are personable and love seeing you progress with results as much as you do. Trek and Altitude training and Personal training is also conducted at Joe's Garage Gym and since being there I have witness members undertaking Ultra marathons, a Kilimanjaro trek and presently a fellow gym member is racing across the North Pole. Yes I have yet to experience and review Xtend Barre in Mosman, Lift of Flight in Balgowlah. I guess Ive been too happy with what I now call my Gym.